Inbred corn line designated ZS0560

ABSTRACT

An inbred corn line designated ZS0560, including plants of ZS0560 and pollen and seed of such plants. Also, a method of producing a corn plant by crossing ZS0560 either with itself or with another corn line and the first generation plants and seeds produced by such crosses.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Generally the present invention relates to the field of plant breeding. In particular the present invention concerns the development of corn plants. More specifically, the present invention relates to the development of elite germplasm capable of forming high performance hybrids when crossed with another elite inbred.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to corn breeding and, more specifically, to an inbred corn line designated ZS0560. Corn or maize (Zea mays L.), is an agronomic crop of great commercial significance both in the United States and in many countries of the world. Corn is used as feed both for animals and humans and has a wide variety of industrial applications. At the commercial production level, the dominant form of corn is single cross hybrids or varieties. Homozygous inbred lines, although not grown as a commercial crop, are extremely important as the source material for the production of hybrid varieties. The cross-pollination of two distinct homozygous inbred lines produces a first generation hybrid variety that is heterozygous at many gene loci.

The goal of plant breeding is to combine in a single variety/hybrid various desirable agronomic traits. For field crops, these traits may include resistance to diseases and insects, reducing the time to crop maturity, greater yield, and better agronomic quality.

Field crops are bred through techniques that take advantage of the plant's method of pollination. A plant is self-pollinated if pollen from one flower is transferred to the same or another flower of the same plant. A plant is cross-pollinated if the pollen comes from a flower on a different plant.

Plants that have been self-pollinated and selected for type for many generations become homozygous at almost all gene loci and produce a uniform population of true breeding progeny. A cross between two homozygous lines produce a uniform population of hybrid plants that may be heterozygous for many gene loci.

Corn plants (Zea mays L.) can be bred by both self-pollination and cross-pollination techniques. Corn has separate male and female flowers on the same plant, located on the tassel and the ear, respectively. Natural pollination occurs in corn when wind blows pollen from the tassels to the silks that protrude from the tops of the incipient ears.

The development of corn hybrids requires the development of homozygous inbred lines, the crossing of these lines to make hybrids and the evaluation of the resulting hybrids. Pedigree breeding and recurrent selection breeding methods are used to develop inbred lines from breeding populations. Breeding programs combine the genetic backgrounds from two or more inbred lines or various other broad-based sources into breeding pools from which new inbred lines are developed by successive generations of inbreeding and selection of desired phenotypes. The new inbreds are crossed with other existing inbred lines and the single cross hybrids from these crosses are evaluated extensively in field performance trials to determine which of those have agronomically desirable potential.

New inbred lines are developed by plant breeders through cross pollination of breeding materials having complementary desirable characteristics which results in a breeding population genetically segregating for a number of important agronomic traits. After initial development of this breeding population, breeders perform a number of successive generations of inbreeding and selection. The objective of these inbreeding and selection generations is to identify and genetically fix a new inbred line which has improved agronomic characteristics. These improved characteristics may be per se traits such as seed yield, seed quality, or disease resistance. However, the primary objective of most breeding programs is to identify new inbred lines which produce improved hybrid plant characteristics such as grain yield and harvestability when the new lines are crossed to other existing inbred lines to produce hybrids.

The process of determining whether newly developed inbred lines provide improved characteristics in hybrids produced using the new line involves extensive field evaluation and testing of the hybrid product. Each newly developed inbred line provides potentially much different contributions to hybrid combinations than its progenitors. Each inbred corn line also is true breeding. In layman's terms this means that when an inbred corn line is planted in isolation and allowed to pollinate itself, the resulting progeny will produce corn plants essentially genetically and phenotypically indistinguishable from the parent inbred.

A single cross hybrid corn variety is the cross of two true breeding inbred lines, each of which has a genetic composition which complements the other. They hybrid progeny of the first generation cross between two parent lines is designated "F₁ ". In the hybrid seed development process, the F₁ hybrid seed is that which is sold to and planted by commercial growers. The preferred F₁ hybrid seed source is that which produces the highest level of vigor, agronomic strength, and yield compared to other F₁ hybrid alternatives.

Because the parents of an F₁ hybrid are true breeding, the seed resulting from a cross between the two parents will all be genetically identical, and will thus yield a stable and predictable phenotype in the commercial grower's fields. Also, because these parents are true breeding, they can be individually reproduced continually by open pollination in an isolated environment. Thus, it follows that the F₁ hybrid can be continuously reproduced from the parent lines.

A single cross hybrid is produced when two inbred lines are crossed to produce the F₁ progeny. A double cross hybrid is produced from four inbred lines crossed in pairs (A×B and C×D) and then the two F₁ hybrids are crossed again (A×B)×(C×D). Much of the hybrid vigor exhibited by F₁ hybrids is lost in the next generation F₂. Consequently, seed from hybrid varieties is not used for planting stock.

Corn is an important and valuable field crop. Thus, a continuing goal of plant breeders is to develop high-yielding corn hybrids that are agronomically sound based on stable inbred lines. The reasons for this goal are obvious: to maximize the amount of grain produced with the inputs used and minimize susceptibility to environmental stresses. To accomplish this goal, the corn breeder must select and develop superior inbred parental lines for producing hybrids. This requires identification and selection of genetically unique individuals which in a segregating population occur as the result of a combination of genetic recombinations plus the independent assortment of specific combinations of alleles at many gene loci which results in specific genotypes. Based on the number of segregating genes, the frequency of occurrence of an individual with a specific genotype is less than 1 in 10,000. Thus even if the entire genotype of the parents has been characterized and the desired genotype is known, only a few if any individuals having the desired genotype may be found in a large segregating population. Typically, however, the genotype of neither the parents nor the desired genotype is known in any detail.

Because commercial corn production relies on the development of novel and improved inbred corn lines, considerable money and effort is devoted by commercial seed companies and plant breeders to the development of inbred lines with the combining ability to produce first generation hybrid corn with the characteristics of high yield, resistance to disease and pests, improved plant stability, uniform phenotypical characteristics to facilitate machine harvesting, and so on, all with the goal of maximizing the efficient use of land and other resources in the production of foodstuffs and raw agricultural materials.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to produce an inbred corn line that can be used to form a hybrid for use in the Central Region of the U.S. corn belt.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an inbred that has a generally broad based combining ability with other inbreds to produce high yields in hybrid combination.

Still another object of the present invention is to produce an inbred that has good plant health.

Broadly the present invention is an inbred corn line designated ZS0560 and the plant or plants or the pollen or seed or seeds. Additionally the invention includes inbred corn plants with the phenotypic, physiological and morphologic characteristics of inbred corn line designated ZS0560.

A method is also contemplated within the present invention. A method for producing a corn plant, comprising the step of using a first parent corn plant with a second parent corn plant wherein the first or second parent corn plant is the inbred corn plant having designation ZS0560. The method wherein the first and second parent corn plants are both from the inbred corn line designated ZS0560.

The invention also includes the first generation (F₁) hybrid corn plant produced by crossing a first inbred female corn plant with a second inbred male corn plant, wherein the first or second parent corn plant is the inbred corn plant having the designation ZS0560. The female corn plant can be detassled, male-sterile, mutant corn line lacking tassels, chemically altered to deter tasseling and the like as known in the art. The male corn plant can be female-sterile, de-earred, a mutant corn lacking ears, chemically altered to deter formation of ears or simply a corn plant used to pollinate from which ears are not harvested and the like. The hybrid corn plant wherein said inbred corn plant having the designation ZS0560 is the female parent. The hybrid corn plant wherein said inbred corn plant having the designation ZS0560 is the male parent. A method for producing first generation (F₁) hybrid corn seed, comprising the step of crossing a first inbred parent corn plant with a second inbred parent corn plant, wherein the first or second parent corn plant is the inbred corn plant having the designation ZS0560. A first generation (F₁) hybrid corn plant produced by growing the hybrid corn seed. A plant cell which, upon growth and differentiation, produces the plant designated ZS0560.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

DEFINITIONS

In the description and examples which follow, a number of terms are used. In order to provide a clear and consistent understanding of the specifications and claims, including the scope to be given such terms, the following definitions are provided.

BL MOIST

The moisture percentage of the grain at black layer, i.e., when 50% of the plants per plot have reached physiological maturity.

COLD GERM

Cold Germ is a measurement of seed germination under cold soil conditions. Data is reported as percent of seed germinating.

EMERGE

The percent of emerged plants per plot (planted at the same seedling rate) collected when plants have two fully developed leaves.

GI

This is a selection index which provides a single quantitative measure of the worth of a hybrid based on four traits. Yield is the primary trait contributing to index values.

GLS

Grey Leaf Spot (Cercospora Zeae) disease rating. This is rated on a 1-9 scale with a "1" being very susceptible, and a "9" being very resistant.^(*)

GW

Goss' Wilt (Corynebacterium nebraskense). This is rated on a 1-9 scale with a "1" being very susceptible, and a "9" being very resistant.^(*)

HEATP10

The number of Growing Degree Units (GDU's) or heat units required for an inbred line or hybrid to have approximately 10 percent of the plants shedding pollen. This trait is measured from the time of planting. Growing Degree Units are calculated by the Barger Method where the GDU's for a 24 hour period are: ##EQU1## The highest maximum temperature used is 86° F. and the lowest minimum temperature used is 50° F. For each inbred or hybrid it takes a certain number of GDU's to reach various stages of plant development.

HEATBL

The number of GDU's after planting when approximately 50 percent of the inbred or hybrid plants in a plot have grain which has reached physiological maturity (black layer).

HEATPEEK

The number of GDU's after planting of an inbred when approximately 50 percent of the plants show visible tassel extension.

HEATP50

The number of GDU's required for an inbred or hybrid to have approximately 50 percent of the plants shedding pollen. Growing Degree Units are calculated by the Barger Method as shown in the HEATP10 definition.

HEATP90

The number of GDU's accumulated from planting when the last 100 percent of plants in an inbred or hybrid are still shedding enough viable pollen for pollination to occur. Growing Degree Units are calculated by the Barger Method as shown in the HEATP10 definition.

HEATS10

The number of GDU's required for an inbred or hybrid to have approximately 10 percent of the plants with silk emergence of at least 0.5 inches. Growing Degree Units are calculated by the Barger Method as shown in the HEATP10 definition.

HEATS50

The number of GDU's required for an inbred or hybrid to have approximately 50 percent of the plants with silk emergence of at least 0.5 inches. Growing Degree Units are calculated by the Barger Method as shown in the HEATP10 definition.

HEATS90

The number of GDU's required for an inbred or hybrid to have approximately 90 percent of the plants with silk emergence of at least 0.5 inches. Growing Degree Units are calculated by the Barger Method as shown in the HEATP10 definition.

MDMV_(A)

Maize Dwarf Mosaic Virus strain A. The corn is rated on a 1-9 scale with a "1" being very susceptible, and a "9" being very resistant.^(*)

MDMV_(B)

Maize Dwarf Mosaic Virus strain B. This is rated on a 1-9 scale with a "1" being very susceptible and a "9" being very resistant.^(*)

MOISTURE

The average percentage grain moisture of an inbred or hybrid at harvest time.

NLB

Northern Leaf Blight (Exserohilum turcicum) disease rating. This is rated on a 1-9 scale with a "1" being very susceptible, and a "9" being very resistant.^(*)

PCT TILLER

Percentage of plants in a plot which have tillers.

PLANT HEIGHT

The distance in centimeters from ground level to the base of the tassel peduncle.

RM

Predicted relative maturity based on the moisture percentage of the grain at harvest. This rating is based on known set of checks and utilizes standard linear regression analyses and is based on Minnesota Relative Maturity Rating System.

SHED

The volume of pollen shed by the male flower rated on a 1-9 scale where a "1" is a very light pollen shedder, a "4.5" is a moderate shedder, and a "9" is a very heavy shedder.

SLB

Southern Leaf Blight (Bipolaris maydis) disease rating. This is rated on a 1-9 scale with a "1" being very susceptible, and a "9" being very resistant.^(*)

TWT

The measure of the weight of grain in pounds for a one bushel volume adjusted for percent grain moisture.

VIGOR

Visual rating of 1 to 9 made 2-3 weeks post-emergence where a "1" indicates very poor early plant development, and a "9" indicates superior plant development.

WARM GERM

A measurement of seed germination under ideal (warm, moist) conditions. Data is reported as percent of seeds germinating.

YIELD

Actual yield of grain at harvest adjusted to 15.5% moisture. Measurements are reported in bushels per acre.

% DROPPED EARS

Percentage of plants in a plot which dropped their primary ear divided by the total number of plants per plot.

% LRG FLAT

Percentage by weight of shelled corn that passes through a 26/64 inch round screen and a 14/64 inch slot screen, but does not pass through a screen with 20.5/64 inch round openings.

% LRG ROUND

Percentage by weight of shelled corn that passes through a 26/64 inch round screen, but does not pass through a 14/64 inch slot screen or a screen with 20.5/64 inch round openings.

% MED FLAT

Percentage by weight of shelled corn that passes through a 20.5/64 inch round screen and a 13/64 inch slotted screen, but does not pass through a screen with 17/64 inch round openings.

% MED ROUND

Percentage by weight of shelled corn that passes through a 20.5/64 inch round screen, but does not pass through a 13/64 inch slot screen or a screen with 17/64 inch round openings.

% SML FLAT

Percentage by weight of shelled corn that passes through a 17/64 inch round screen and a 12/64 inch slotted screen, but does not pass through a screen with 15/64 inch round openings.

% SML ROUND

Percentage by weight of shelled corn that passes through a 17/64 inch round screen, but does not pass through a 12/64 inch slotted screen or a screen with 15/64 inch round openings.

ROOT LODGE

Number of plants in a plot leaning more that 30 degrees from vertical divided by total plants per plot.

STALK LODGE

Number of plants in a plot with the stalk broken below the primary ear node divided by the total plants per plot.

^(*) Resistance on a scale of 1-9 with 9 evidencing the trait most strongly: 1-2.9 ratings are susceptible, 3-5.9 ratings are intermediate, and 6-9 ratings are resistant.

The yellow dent corn inbred line ZS0560 has unique and superior characteristics. Inbred corn line ZS0560 has proven to be acceptable as a female in producing F₁ hybrids. ZS0560 has limited acceptability for use as a male parent in spite of its pollen shed rating which is 5 on a scale of 0 equalling sterile and 9 equalling a heavy shedder. Inbred line ZS0560 is adapted for use in the Central regions of the United States and in other regions of the world having similar environmental characteristics. This inbred can be used to produce hybrids from approximately 110-125 relative maturity based on the Minnesota Relative Maturing Rating System for harvest moisture of grain. ZS0560 is unique as a female parent because of its broad general combining ability with other inbreds, high yield in hybrid combination, and generally good plant health. As a female, ZS0560 provides excellent yields of medium sized, high quality seed. ZS0560 performs well as an inbred under cold germ test conditions as well as good growing conditions.

The inbred has shown uniformity and stability within the limits of environmental influence for all the traits as described in the Variety Descriptors (Table 1) that follows. Most of the data in the Variety Descriptors were collected at Slater, Iowa. Numeric data was generated from means over all environments where the inbred was evaluated.

As a female, ZS0560 provides excellent general combining ability with a broad variety of full season corn belt males. ZS0560 is additionally characterized by exhibiting excellent tolerance to common corn rust, and conferring excellent grain quality and kernel hardness in hybrids.

The inbred has been self-pollinated for 7 generations. During plant selection in each generation the uniformity of plant type was selected to ensure homozygosity and phenotypic stability. The line has been increased in isolated farmland environments with data on uniformity and agromonic traits being observed to assure uniformity and stability. No variant traits have been observed or are expected in ZS0560.

The best method of producing the invention, ZS0560 which is substantially homozygous, is by planting the seed of ZS0560 which is substantially homozygous and self-pollinating or pollinating the resultant plant in an isolated environment, and harvesting the resultant seed or the resultant pollen.

                                      TABLE 1                                      __________________________________________________________________________     ZS0560                                                                         VARIETY DESCRIPTION INFORMATION                                                1.      Type: Dent                                                             2.      Region Best Adapted: Central                                                   INBRED                                                                 #3      MATURITY                                                               DAYS    HEAT UNITS                                                             91        1551.5                                                                             FROM EMERGENCE TO 50% OF PLANTS IN SILK                          90        1526.5                                                                             FROM EMERGENCE TO 50% OF PLANTS IN POLLEN                        10            FROM 10% TO 90% POLLEN SHED                                      #4      PLANT                                                                  DATA                                                                           4       ANTHOCYANIN OF BRACE ROOTS: 1=ABSENT 2=FAINT 3=MODERATE 4=DARK         #5      LEAF                                                                   COLOR/DATA                                                                     3       LEAF COLOR *MUNSELL CODE- 7.5GY 3/4                                    6       LEAF SHEATH PUBESCENCE (1=NONE TO 9=PEACH FUZZ)                        5       MARGINAL WAVES (1=NONE TO 9= MANY)                                     7       LONGITUDINAL CREASES (1=NONE TO 9= MANY)                               #6      TASSEL                                                                 COLOR/DATA                                                                     5       POLLEN SHED (0=STERILE TO 9= HEAVY SHEDDER)                            17      ANTHER COLOR                                                                             *MUNSELL CODE -                                                                           5R 3/6                                            1       GLUME COLOR                                                                              *MUNSELL CODE -                                                                           5GY 6/10 WITH (17) 5R 3/6 STRIPES                 2       BAR GLUME 1=ABSENT 2=PRESENT                                           *7A     EAR (UNMUSKED DATA)                                                    COLOR/DATA                                                                     17      SILK COLOR (3 DAYS AFTER EMERGE.)*MUNSELL CODE -  5R 3/6               1       FRESH HUSK CO. (25 DAYS AFTER 50% SILK)*MUNSELL CODE -    2.5GY                7/8                                                                    22      DRY HUSK COLOR(65 DAYS AFTER 50% SILK)*MUNSELL CODE -    5Y 8/6        1       POSITION OF EAR AT DRY HUSK 1= UPRIGHT 2=HORIZONTAL 3=PENDENT          7       HUSK TIGHTNESS (1=VERY LOOSE TO 9=VERY TIGHT)                          3       HUSK EXTENSION AT HARVEST(1=EXPOSED EAR 2=8CM 3=8-10CM 4=>10CM)        #7B     EAR (HUSKED DATA)                                                      DATA                                                                           2       KERNEL ROWS: 1= INDISTINCT 2= DISTINCT                                 3       ROW ALIGNMENT:1=STRAIT 2=SLIGHT CURVE 3=SPIRAL                         2       EAR TAPPER:1= STRAIT 2= AVERAGE 3= EXTREME                             #8      KERNEL (DRY)                                                           COLOR/DATA                                                                     1       ALEURONE COLOR PATTERN: 1= HOMO. 2=SEG.                                8(PEACH)                                                                               ALEURONE COLOR *MUNSELL CODE -    7.5YR 7/10                           8(PEACH)                                                                               HARD ENDOSPERM COLOR*MUNSELL CODE-  7.5YR 6/10                         6       CROWN COLOR *MUNSELL CODE -      2.5Y 8/10                             #9      COB                                                                    COLOR                                                                          14      COB COLOR *MUNSELL CODE -     10R 6/8                                  COLOR CHOICES (Use in conjunction with Munsell color code to describe all      color choices                                                                  01=Light Green                                                                              06=Pale Yellow                                                                             11=Pink    16=Pale Purple                                                                             21=Buff                        02=Medium Green                                                                             07=Yellow   12=Light Red                                                                              17=Purple   22=Tan                         03=Dark Green                                                                               08=Yellow-Orange                                                                           13=Cherry Red                                                                             18=Colorless                                                                               23=Brown                       04=Very Dark Green                                                                          09=Salmon   14=Red     19=White    24=Bronze                      05=Green-Yellow                                                                             10=Pink-Orange                                                                             15=Red & White                                                                            20=White Capped                                                                            25=Variegated (Describe)                                                       26=Other                       __________________________________________________________________________                                                     (Describe)                                                  MEAN                                              __________________________________________________________________________     #10                                                                               EAR HEIGHT(CM)            55.53                                                LENGTH OF PRIMARY EAR LEAF(CM)                                                                           12.77                                                WIDTH OF PRIMARY EAR LEAF(CM)                                                                            8.13                                                 TOP EAR INTERNODE(CM)     12.07                                                DEGREE OF LEAF ANGLE      31.53                                                # OF EARS PER PLANT       1.07                                                 # OF LEAVES ABOVE TOP EAR 5.67                                                 # OF PRIMARY LATERAL TASSEL BRANCHES                                                                     3.53                                                 PLANT HEIGHT(CM)          173.4                                                TASSEL LENGTH(CM)         35.47                                                TASSEL BRANCH ANGLE       28.67                                                # OF TILLER PER PLANTS    0.00                                                 WEIGHT PER 100 KERNELS(GM)                                                                               23.55                                                EAR LENGTH(CM)            12.77                                                EAR WEIGHT(GM)            79.07                                                # OF KERNEL ROWS          14.67                                                COB DIAMETER AT MID-POINT(MM)                                                                            24.85                                                EAR DIAMETER AT MID-POINT(MM)                                                                            38.17                                                KERNEL LENGTH(MM)         9.91                                                 KERNEL THICKNESS(MM)      5.50                                                 KERNEL WIDTH(MM)          7.58                                                 % ROUND KERNELS (SHAPE GRADE)                                                                            57.39                                                SHANK LENGTH              6.73                                                 Disease Resistance                                                             Bacterial Leaf Blight: Intermediate                                            Northern Leaf Blight: Intermediate                                             Gray Leaf Spot: Intermediate                                                   Southern Leaf Blight: Intermediate                                             Common Corn Rust: Resistant                                                    Goss' Wilt: Intermediate                                                       MDMV Strain A: Resistant                                                       MDMV Strain B: Susceptible                                                     Inbred most useful for comparison with the present                             invention based on genetic makeup and combining                                ability/maturity characteristics is LH198.                                  __________________________________________________________________________

As evidenced in paragraph 11 inbred line ZS0560 has tolerance to a variety of diseases. The Munsell Code is a reference book of color which is known and used in the industry by persons with ordinary skill in the part of plant breeding. The purity and homozygosity of inbred ZS0560 is constantly being tracked using isozyme genotypes as shown in Table 2.

                                      TABLE 2                                      __________________________________________________________________________     LINE                                                                               ACP1                                                                               ACP4                                                                               ADH MDH1                                                                               MDH2                                                                               PGD1                                                                               PGD2                                                                               PHI                                                                               PGM IDH2                                    __________________________________________________________________________     ZS0560                                                                             33  55  22  22  11  22  11  22 22  11                                      LH198                                                                              33  55  22  22  11  11  11  22 22  22                                      __________________________________________________________________________      Isozyme data were generated for Table 2 according to the procedure in          Stuber, C. W., Wendell, J. R., Goodman, M. M., And Smith, J. S. C.             Techniques and Scoring Procedures for Starch Gel Electrophoresis of            Isozymes from Maize (Zea mays L.). Tech. Bull. 286. North Carolina             Agricultural Research Service, North Carolina State University, Raleigh,       North Carolina, March, 1988.                                             

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

This invention is directed to methods for producing a corn plant by crossing a first parent corn plant with a second parent corn plant wherein the first or second parent corn plant is an inbred corn plant from the line ZS0560. Further, both first and second parent corn plants can come from the inbred corn line ZS0560. Thus, any methods using the inbred corn line ZS0560 are part of this invention. The methods include but are not limited to selfing, backcrosses, hybrid production, crosses to populations, and the like. All plants produced using inbred corn line ZS0560 as a parent are within the scope of this invention. Advantageously, the inbred corn line is used in crosses with other, different, corn inbreds to produce first generation (F₁) corn hybrid seeds and plants with superior characteristics.

As used herein, the terms "plant and plant parts" include plant cells, plant protoplasts, plant cell tissue culture from which corn plants can be regenerated, plant calli, plant clumps, and plant cells that are intact in plants or parts of plants, such as embryos, pollen, flowers, kernels, ears, cobs, leaves, husks, stalks, roots, root tips, anthers, silk and the like. Corn tissue culture procedures are also described in Green and Rhodes, "Plant Regeneration in Tissue Culture of Maize," Maize for Biological Research (Plant Molecular Biology Association, Charlottesville, Va. 1982, at 36-372). Thus, another aspect of this invention is to provide cells which upon growth and differentiation produce the inbred line ZS0560.

The utility of the dent inbred line ZS0560 extends to the production of plants which may be crosses made with other species. The inbred line may be crossed with sweet corn or popcorn or other dent corn.

Corn is used for human consumption (in a variety of different forms), animal consumption, and as a ingredient in many commercial products. The production of corn for human consumption includes products of the dry and wet milling industries. The most commonly recognized uses of corn kernels are corn grits, corn meal, and corn flour. Additional processing can be employed and provide various corn sweeteners and corn starch. Likewise, a variety of snack foods and breakfast foods are made of corn such as corn chips, cornflakes, cornbread, and the like. Likewise, corn oil and various components of corn oil have been used industry and in cooking foods for human consumption.

Additionally corn products can be used to make alcohol products. Alcohol products can be used for human consumption, but likewise, they can be used for industrial purposes. Alcohol products made from corn can be used in gasoline. Flour and starch from corn can be used for sizing, for paper, adhesives, and the like. The corn products have been used in building materials and laundry starches and a variety of other industrial applications. Other parts of the corn plant can also be used. The nongrain portion of the plant and the grain portion of the plant can be chopped and fed to animals. Additionally, corn cobs can be used for firewood and husks can be used for more than just for industrial application they can be used creatively in the arts for the making of corn husk dolls.

The seed, plant and plant parts of the of the inbred corn line ZS0560 and the seed plant and plant parts of the hybrid made with ZS0560 as a parent can be used for various industrial purposes.

EXAMPLES

The following examples compare the traits of the present invention with inbreds and hybrids having similar regions of usage, and/or similar traits and/or characteristics. The data will of course vary depending on the inbred and hybrid employed for the comparison.

Table 3 compares ZS0560 to LH198. Table 3A compares ZS0560 to LH132. Data supplied in each table was generated from means over only those environments where both inbreds were evaluated. LH198 has a PVP Certificate Number 920021. LH132 has a PVP Certificate number 8300148. Both LH132 and LH198 are commercially available inbreds. LH198 is an important inbred that would be used in similar regions and would cross well with some of the same inbred lines as ZS0560. The data in Table 3 has been collected for a period of at least 3 years research testing (when possible).

                                      TABLE 3                                      __________________________________________________________________________     PAIRED INBRED COMPARISON DATA                                                                            PCT   PLANT EAR          EAR   PCT                   YEAR   INBRED                                                                               VIGOR  EMERGE                                                                               TILLER                                                                               HEIGHT                                                                               HEIGHT                                                                               SHED   QUALITY                                                                              BARREN                __________________________________________________________________________     OVERALL                                                                               ZS0560                                                                               6.2    91.9  1.5   157.5 70.7  5.3                                       LH198 7.7    93.1  0.0   177.8 80.4  5.7                                       # EXPTS                                                                              3      3     3     3     3     3                                         DIFF  1.5    1.2   1.5   20.3  9.7   0.3                                       PROB  0.286  0.747 0.355 0.094***                                                                             0.213 0.667                              __________________________________________________________________________     YEAR   INBRED                                                                               HEATP10                                                                               HEATP50                                                                              HEATP90                                                                              HEATS10                                                                              HEATS50                                                                              HEATS90                            __________________________________________________________________________     OVERALL                                                                               ZS0560                                                                               1496   1572  1686  1505  1566  1628                                      LH198 1473   1513  1588  1511  1558  1618                                      # EXPTS                                                                              3      3     3     3     3     3                                         DIFF  23     59    98    5     8     10                                        PROB  0.216  0.208 0.118 0.875 0.836 0.189                              __________________________________________________________________________                                                 %                                                            BL    % ROOT                                                                               % STALK                                                                              DROPPED                                                                               MOIS-                       YEAR   INBRED                                                                               HEATPEEK                                                                              HEATBL                                                                               MOIST LODGE LODGE EARS   TURE  YIELD                 __________________________________________________________________________     OVERALL                                                                               ZS0560                                                                               1466                                  11.4  55.6                         LH198 1434                                  11.9  48.6                         # EXPTS                                                                              3                                     3     3                            DIFF  32                                    0.5   7.1                          PROB  0.159                                 0.289 0.015**               __________________________________________________________________________                  WARM   COLD  % LRG % LRG % MED % MED  % SML % SML                 YEAR   INBRED                                                                               GERM   GERM  ROUND FLAT  ROUND FLAT   ROUND FLAT                  __________________________________________________________________________     OVERALL                                                                               ZS0560                                                                               96.8   94.7  11.5  8.2   46.3  17.5   9.3   2.7                          LH198 96.6   91.8  6.1   14.0  17.1  31.3   9.6   12.0                         # EXPTS                                                                              3      3     3     3     3     3      3     3                            DIFF  0.2    2.8   5.4   5.8   29.2  13.8   0.3   9.3                          PROB  0.853  0.324 0.262 0.285 0.017**                                                                              0.376  0.803 0.275                 __________________________________________________________________________      *Probability that a larger difference will occur by chance is                  ≦0.01.                                                                  **Probability that a larger difference will occur by chance is >0.01 and       ≦0.05.                                                                  ***Probability that a larger difference will occur by chance is >0.05 and      ≦0.10.                                                            

                                      TABLE 3A                                     __________________________________________________________________________     PAIRED INBRED COMPARISON DATA                                                                            PCT   PLANT EAR          EAR   PCT                   YEAR   INBRED                                                                               VIGOR  EMERGE                                                                               TILLER                                                                               HEIGHT                                                                               HEIGHT                                                                               SHED   QUALITY                                                                              BARREN                __________________________________________________________________________     OVERALL                                                                               ZS0560                                                                               6.5    80.7  2.0   157.5 66.2  4.1    2.9                                LH132 6.8    83.5  1.6   162.8 63.8  4.3    2.7                                # EXPTS                                                                              26     26    24    26    26    16     16                                 DIFF  0.4    2.8   0.4   5.3   2.4   0.2    0.2                                PROB  0.001* 0.204 0.393 0.021**                                                                              0.200 0.534  0.054***                    __________________________________________________________________________     YEAR   INBRED                                                                               HEATP10                                                                               HEATP50                                                                              HEATP90                                                                              HEATS10                                                                              HEATS50                                                                              HEATS90                            __________________________________________________________________________     OVERALL                                                                               ZS0560                                                                               1483   1532  1615  1491  1534  1582                                      LH132 1457   1498  1569  1475  1518  1563                                      # EXPTS                                                                              26     26    26    26    26    26                                        DIFF  26     34    46    16    16    19                                        PROB  0.001* 0.000*                                                                               0.000*                                                                               0.093***                                                                             0.055***                                                                             0.025**                            __________________________________________________________________________                                                 %                                                            BL    % ROOT                                                                               % STALK                                                                              DROPPED                                                                               MOIS-                       YEAR   INBRED                                                                               HEATPEEK                                                                              HEATBL                                                                               MOIST LODGE LODGE EARS   TURE  YIELD                 __________________________________________________________________________     OVERALL                                                                               ZS0560                                                                               1419   2548  29.2                     11.1  61.1                         LH132 1388   2518  31.0                     11.6  68.7                         # EXPTS                                                                              26     2     2                        26    26                           DIFF  31     28    1.0                      0.4   7.6                          PROB  0.000* 0.628 0.009*                   0.080***                                                                             0.010*                __________________________________________________________________________                  WARM   COLD  % LRG % LRG % MED % MED  % SML % SML                 YEAR   INBRED                                                                               GERM   GERM  ROUND FLAT  ROUND FLAT   ROUND FLAT                  __________________________________________________________________________     OVERALL                                                                               ZS0560                                                                               96.6   92.4  11.5  7.3   44.0  21.1   9.8   3.1                          LH132 97.1   92.9  4.2   6.7   22.7  45.5   7.9   9.7                          # EXPTS                                                                              24     24    25    25    25    25     25    25                           DIFF  0.5    0.4   7.2   0.7   21.1  24.0   1.9   6.7                          PROB  0.356  0.731 0.000*                                                                               0.369 0.000*                                                                               0.000* 0.080***                                                                             0.000*                __________________________________________________________________________      *Probability that a larger difference will occur by chance is                  ≦0.01.                                                                  **Probability that a larger difference will occur by chance is >0.01 and       ≦0.05.                                                                  ***Probability that a larger difference will occur by chance is >0.05 and      ≦0.10.                                                            

The results shown in Table 3 show that the two lines differ significantly for certain traits. ZS0560 yields 55.6 bushels to the acre, compared to LH198 which yields 48.6 bushels to the acre. Additionally, inbred ZS0560 has 94.7% cold germination whereas LH198 has 91.8% cold germination. Also of particular interest is ZS0560's production of approximately 46.3% medium round kernels across locations where ZS0560 and LH198 are directly compared. Medium sized kernels tend to be preferred by central corn belt farmers. Although not listed in Table 3, there are differences in test weight between LH198 and ZS0560. Across at least 30 different testers, ZS0560 had a test weight general combining ability of plus 0.6 pound (compared to commercial checks). LH198 had a plus 0.4 pound advantage for test weight (compared to commercial checks). Although not explicit in Table 3 ZS0560 is characterized by exceptionally good general plant health.

Table 3A shows that inbred ZS0560 has a significantly better moisture level at harvest and data shows lower yield than does LH132. However, in Table 4A inbred ZS0560 in hybrid combination shows significantly better yield than inbred LH132 when the same inbred tester is used. ZS0560's combining ability is exceptional.

Table 4 compares hybrid data for ZS0560 and LH198 crossed to a common inbred tester. Likewise Table 4A compares ZS0560 and LH132 in hybrid combination with a common inbred tester.

                  TABLE 4                                                          ______________________________________                                                                  % Stalk   % Root                                               Yield  Moisture Lodge     Lodge                                       ______________________________________                                         Hybrid/ZS0560                                                                             137      25.5     3.5     0.4                                       Hybrid/LH198                                                                              131      26.0     3.6     0.4                                       LSDα = 0.05                                                                         6        1.1      1.9     1.2                                       ______________________________________                                    

                                      TABLE 4A                                     __________________________________________________________________________     PAIRED HYBRID COMPARISON DATA                                                                     % ROOT                                                                               % STALK                                                                              % DROPPED                                                                              TEST                                    YEAR   HYBRID      LODGE LODGE EARS    WEIGHT MOISTURE                                                                              YIELD                                                                               GI                   __________________________________________________________________________     OVERALL                                                                               ZS0560 × Inbred Tester                                                               2.5   5.2   0.2     51.7   21.8   135.4                                                                               160.4                       LH132 × Inbred Tester                                                                2.0   4.9   0.2     51.8   23.1   128.1                                                                               157.5                       # EXPTS     377   377   377     133    379    379  377                         DIFF        0.5   0.3   0.0     0.1    1.3    7.2  2.9                         PROB        0.100***                                                                             0.187 0.722   0.767  0.000* 0.000*                                                                              0.000*               __________________________________________________________________________                        PLANT EAR   50%                                             YEAR   INBRED      HEIGHT                                                                               HEIGHT                                                                               POLLEN  MATURITY                                __________________________________________________________________________     OVERALL                                                                               ZS0560 × Inbred Tester                                                               231   117   1426    120                                            LH132 × Inbred Tester                                                                231   111   1460    124                                            # EXPTS     22    22    16      379                                            DIFF        0.5   6.5   31      4                                              PROB        0.805 0.002*                                                                               0.003*                                          __________________________________________________________________________      *Probability that a larger difference will occur by chance is                  ≦0.01.                                                                  **Probability that a larger difference will occur by chance is >0.01 and       ≦0.05.                                                                  ***Probability that a larger difference will occur by chance is >0.05 and      ≦0.10.                                                            

The results of Tables 4 and 4A comparing ZS0560 with leading industry lines show that ZS0560 has better yield and is lower in moisture than LH198 and LH132 when in hybrid combination with the same tester. Additionally, the ZS0560 hybrid is earlier in maturity than the LH198 hybrid.

Table 5 shows the yield and moisture comparisons between a hybrid containing ZS0560 and other commercial hybrids on the market. A positive ADV equals a positive advantage for the ZS0560 hybrid compared with the commercial hybrid.

    ______________________________________                                                  YLD  ADV        MOIST    ADV                                          ______________________________________                                         ZS0560     163.8  5.1        22.0   -1.6*                                      3417       158.7             20.3                                              ZS0560     158.7  0.8        20.2   5.2*                                       3162       157.9             25.4                                              ZS0560     183.7  26.5*      24.5   -0.8*                                      NK6560     157.2             23.7                                              ZS0560     164.2  11.5*      24.7   -0.8*                                      NK6330     152.6             24.0                                              ZS0560     140.5  15.1*      24.6   0.2                                        DK614      125.4             24.8                                              ______________________________________                                          * = .10 level significance.                                              

Clearly Table 5 evidences ZS0560 has excellent yielding potential in hybrid combination. ZS0560 has better moisture levels than most and better yield levels than all of the above listed commercial hybrids.

The ZS0560 inbred would be utilized in generally the same region of the corn belt in which LH198 and LH132 flourish. A comparison shows that inbred seeds of ZS0560 provides advantage for cold germination compared to LH198 and yield. Additionally the inbred has excellent yield results in hybrid combination. Inbred seeds of ZS0560 have been placed on deposit at the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), Rockville, Md. 20852, under deposit accession number 75690. This inbred corn line seed has been deposited under the Budapest Treaty and under that treaty it is understood that the plant will be irrevocably and without restriction or conditon released to the public upon the issuance of a patent. It is also understood that the released of the seed does not give any party the right to infringe the patent claims.

Although the invention has been described with respect to a preferred embodiment thereof, it is to be also understood that it is not to be so limited since changes and modifications can be made therein which are within the full intended scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An inbred corn line designated ZS0560, seed of which have been deposited under ATCC Accession No.
 75690. 2. Pollen of the plant of claim
 1. 3. Seed or Seeds of the inbred corn line designated ZS0560 of claim
 1. 4. An inbred corn plant with all the phenotypic, physiological and morphologic characteristics of inbred corn line of claim
 1. 5. A method for producing a corn plant, comprising crossing a first parent corn plant with a second parent corn plant wherein said first or second parent corn plant is the inbred corn plant designated ZS0560 which has excellent plant health, and the seed of which have been deposited under ATCC Accession No. 75690, and harvesting and growing the seed produced from said cross to form a plant.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein said first and second parent corn plants are both from the inbred corn line designated ZS0560.
 7. The method of claim 5, wherein said first or second parent corn plant having the designation ZS0560 is the female parent.
 8. The method of claim 5, wherein said first or second parent corn plant having the designation ZS0560 is the male parent.
 9. A method for producing first generation (F₁) hybrid corn seed comprising crossing a first inbred parent corn plant with a second inbred parent corn plant, wherein said first or second parent corn plant is the inbred corn plant having the designation ZS0560, seed of which have been deposited under ATCC Accession No. 75690, which has excellent plant health and harvesting the seed produced from said cross.
 10. A first generation (F₁) hybrid corn plant produced by growing said hybrid corn seed of claim
 9. 11. A tissue culture comprising regenerable cells of the inbred corn plant of claim
 1. 